Jane Eyre :: essays research papers

The passions may rage furiously, standardised true heathens, as they are and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things but judgment shall take over the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision.1 Such powerful words were found in the famous romance novels of Charlotte Bronte. Through her novels Jane Eyre and The Professor Brontes life experiences were reflected by her main characters as they desire independency, conceived images as symbols of important events in their lives, and they exhibited commitment to their goals. Like Charlotte Bronte both William Crimsworth and Jane Eyre encountered hardships early in their lives therefore they sought independence. Crimsworths conduct to leave his brother Edward and Hunsden reflected the independence sought by Charlotte in order to pursue her career as a governess.2 Since Brontes mother died when Charlotte was very young her father allowed their aunt to evolve and raise the children until they were old enough to seek a career. Their aunt was a stern woman and was rather content receiving obedience than affection3 which is exchangeable to the character of Aunt Reed in Jane Eyre. Although Hunsden did not hold any blood relation to Crimsworth the relationship between the men was cold which forced Crimsworth to fancy separation form ridicule and harsh criticism as did Bronte from her aunt. The novel Jane Eyre further illustrated Brontes desires of seeking autonomy as the central character, Jane, represented the romanticistic relationship Bronte had experienced with her professor at the young age of 18. The storyline between Rochester and Eyre held true to the emotions of Charlotte Bronte because she felt the frustrations, helplessness, and happiness in a romance. Isolation allowedthe heroines self-development, but it impedeed her romantic yearning to be thoroughly lost in love.4 Yet, due to the hardships she faced in her romance Bronte still saw the need for separation from her bel oved as did Eyre from Rochester and Francis from Crimsworth. Although it was hard for the author to leave her happiness, her frustrations were expressed in Jane EyreI grieve to leave Thornfield . . . I love it, because I have lived in it a full and delightful life. I have not been trampled on, I have not been petrified . . . However I see the necessity of departure and it is like looking at death.5Albeit Jane and William faced the difficulty of pursuing independence from harsh family and romantic situations, most important to both characters was to find equality among their societal statures.